What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking Aciclovir:
Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to aciclovir or valacyclovir (Valtrex®).
Moreover, inform your doctor if you are allergic to any other medications, or if you have any of the following: kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis); liver disease; a brain or nervous system disorder such as Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, or tardive dyskinesia; breathing problems; or an electrolyte imbalance (such as high or low calium, sodium, or potassium blood levels). If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use aciclovir, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
Tell your doctor if you are also taking probenecid (Benemid®). If you are using probenecid, you may not be able to use aciclovir, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.
There may be other drugs that can affect aciclovir. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without first consulting your doctor.
This medication falls into the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Moreover, herpes virus can be passed from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth. If you have genital herpes, it is very important to prevent herpes lesions during your pregnancy so that you do not have a genital lesion when your baby is born.
Please note that aciclovir passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. Do not take this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Herpes infections are contagious and you can infect other people, even while you are being treated with aciclovir. Avoid letting infected areas come into contact with other people, and also try to avoid touching an infected area and then touching your eyes. Wash your hands frequently to prevent passing the infection to others.
Aciclovir will not prevent the spread of genital herpes. Avoid sexual intercourse or use a latex condom to prevent spreading the virus to others.
Why is this medication prescribed?
Dosage and using this medicine
What should I do if I forget a dose?
What side effects can this medication cause?
What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?
In case of an emergency/overdose